Quartersawn White Oak is made from the White Oak wood species, quartersawn refers to the direction the wood is cut when originally milled. Plain boards are usually rip cut along the length of logs. Quarter sawn boards are first quartered lengthwise, which results in 4 wedges with right angles meeting near the center of the original log. Each quarter is then turned on its point and sawn successively along the axis, this creates boards with the annual rings perpendicular to the faces. Quarter sawing yields boards with a distinctive ray and fleck figuring and straight stripe grain lines. Some boards may also have wavy or interlocking grains. Quarter sawn wood provides greater stability than flat sawn wood. Structurally quartersawn oak is less likely to twist, warp, cup, or absorb water. Quartersawn white oak is often used in stair balustrades due to the ability to turn products on a lathe and its steam bending qualities. The heartwood is suitable for exterior uses since it is less likely to decay.

Quartersawn white oak typically costs more than plain sawn white oak because of the time it takes to cut and the waste associated with the process. Plain sawn lumber is easier and quicker to produce with very little waste compared to quarter sawn lumber. Quarter sawing is often confused with “rift sawing”, which is much less common. Riftsawn wood takes even more time, has perpendicular grain, produces a greater deal of waste, and is more expensive than quartersawn wood. Therefore, quartersawn wood tends to be an acceptable compromise between plain sawn and rift sawn wood. White Oak measures 1360 ibs on the Janka hardness scale, which is harder than red oak but softer than hickory or pecan.

White Oak vs. Red Oak – While red oak and white oak may appear very similar to the untrained eye, the two woods are actually quite different. Both red and white oak wood species are commercially harvested and used to produce some of the same products but result in a very different appearance once finished. Red Oak and White Oak also differ in workability, density, and availability. Red Oak is typically more common and cheaper than white oak because it grows more rapidly and is easier to produce. While Red Oak can be easily milled with normal saw blades on most woodworking machines, it is often recommended to use only carbide-tipped blades and bits when working with white oak.

ABOUT OUR QUARTERSAWN WHITE OAK STAIR PARTS

Our quarter sawn white oak stair prices are about the same price as our African Mahogany stair parts, and just slightly lower than our Brazilian Cherry Wood stair parts. All our stair parts are of top quality, affordable, and made in the USA. Quartersawn white oak stair systems and parts are available coast to coast, but stock may vary. We can typically have quartersawn white oak material delivered to our mill the same day and produce custom quartersawn oak stair parts within days.

Our most popular white oak stair parts by category include:

6010B Quartersawn White Oak Bending Handrail – A strong, stable, elegant, and unique bending handrail. SKU LJ-6010B
6701 Quartersawn White Oak Handrail – For those looking for a more modern looking wood stair handrail. SKU LJ-6701
4091 Quarter Sawn White Oak Box Newels – SKU – LJ-4091 – Available as a fluted box newel, standard box newel, and raised or recessed box newels.
5005 Quartersawn White Oak Balusters – 1¾” Hampton Square top Quartersawn White Oak balusters work well with the 6210 or 6900 stair handrail. SKU LJ-5005 – This Hampton Square top is available in 34”, 36”, 38”, and 41”.
Quartersawn White Oak Stair Treads – SKU LJ-8070 – Available on our website in 36”, 42”, 48”, 54”, and 60” lengths. Or we can custom make quartersawn white oak stair treads to suit your needs.

For the best quartersawn white oak hand railing, stair balusters, treads, risers, winder treads, stair fittings, and check out our wood stair parts catalog!

Example of Quartersawn White Oak Stairs! Absolutely Stunning! 

We offer everything from Quartersawn White Oak balusters, Quartersawn White Oak handrails, and Quartersawn White Oak wood stair treads. Although the name Quartersawn White Oak may have you thinking it would be way too expensive, you may be surprised at how reasonably you can create a magnificent quartersawn white oak stair balustrade. It provides a beautiful staircase using just clear coat and the natural grain, but also stains well keeping the unique grain look. If are looking for a hardwood, but would like a darker and more unique you may want to look at our more exotic woods like Brazilian Walnut or Purple Heart.